Metal roofing in Pittsburgh, PA
Metal roofing in Pittsburgh, when it is well installed, can easily outlast two shingle roofs and shed Pittsburgh snow and rain with very little upkeep. It costs more up front, so we will show you whether it actually makes sense for your house and how long you plan to stay. We work as steel roofing contractors and metal roof installers across the Pittsburgh area.
Rough guide: $14 to $22 per sq ft
Metal roof types
Standing seam is the most common premium choice. Panels run from the eave to the ridge, with raised seams and hidden fasteners, so there are no exposed screws to wear out. Metal roof shingles, including steel shingles, are stamped to look like slate, shake or dimensional shingles, which can suit an older home better. If you want metal roofs that look like shingles, this is the type to ask about. We don't recommend exposed-fastener barn panels on most houses, because those screws and washers need looking after.
- Standing seam steel and aluminum
- Metal shingles and shake profiles
- Porch and bay window accent roofs
- Low-slope standing seam on additions
- Snow guards above doors and walkways
- Repairs to existing metal roofs
Details that matter on a metal roof
Metal expands and contracts through the seasons, so clips, panels and trim have to allow for that movement. Snow also lets go all at once on metal, which is why snow guards above a front door or driveway are worth considering in this climate. We plan for both. We also like to take the old shingles off, even when a layover is allowed, so we can see the deck.
Is metal worth it here
Standing seam usually runs $14 to $22 per square foot, roughly two to three times the cost of an architectural shingle roof. If you are selling in a few years, shingles are the better spend. If this is your long-term home, a metal roof can be the last roof you buy. See the numbers side by side in our metal roof vs shingles guide.
How the work goes
- Measure and compare
We measure the roof and price metal next to shingles so you can compare.
- Choose panel and color
We go over profile, gauge and finish, with samples.
- Prep the deck
We tear off, repair the deck and add high-temperature underlayment.
- Panels and trim
Panels are cut to length and finished with flashing and snow guards where needed.
Common questions
How long does a metal roof last?
Standing seam steel commonly lasts 40 to 70 years, and the finish usually carries a long warranty. The fastening system and flashing are what decide the real life of the roof.
What is a standing seam?
The raised, locked joint where two metal roof panels meet, standing up above the flat of the roof. The panels are held down by clips and fasteners hidden under the seams, so no screws go through the face of the roof.
Are metal roofs loud when it rains?
Not usually over a solid deck and underlayment, with an insulated attic below. The loud metal roofs people remember are often over open barn framing.
Do metal roofs attract lightning?
No. Metal doesn't make a strike more likely, and it won't catch fire if one does hit.
Do metal roofs need gutters?
Yes on most Pittsburgh homes. Water sheds faster off metal, so gutters protect your foundation and walkways, and they need to be properly sized and secured against sliding snow.
Can you install a metal roof in winter?
Yes. Metal is less sensitive to cold than shingles. Ice and safety are the limits, so we schedule around bad days.
Do metal roofs make your house hotter?
No. With good attic ventilation, a light or reflective finish can actually reduce summer heat gain.